Cooperative Extension Area Vegetable Crops Advisor - Serving Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Glenn, and Butte Counties (26-01)

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area Vegetable Crops Advisor at the Assistant rank serving Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Glenn, and Butte counties.

The Area Vegetable Crops Advisor will implement an innovative multi-county extension education and applied research program focused on field research and outreach for the major vegetable commodities of the Sacramento Valley, primarily processing tomatoes, but also cucurbits and vine seed production. Additionally, they will serve as a resource and answer questions related to other specialty vegetable crops. The advisor will dedicate at least 25% of their time to developing and evaluating organic production practices useful for certified organic (CO) systems and for sustainable farms outside of CO programs. Working closely with collaborators, including local growers, UCCE Advisors and Specialists, agencies, and other partners, the advisor will support farmers' progress toward the 2023 Sustainable Pest Management roadmap from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Key clientele include vegetable crop growers, farm managers, pest control advisers, agricultural commissioners and their staff, and Resource Conservation Districts.

UCCE Advisors are responsible for conducting applied research and extending knowledge. Research activities are applied and mission-oriented, focused on addressing challenges in our communities. Extension activities are the educational methods that advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities, increasing knowledge and understanding of science-based research that promotes the adoption of practices and technologies to solve local problems. Extension activities may include individual farm consultations, presentations, or organizing educational workshops, short courses, and field demonstrations. Information may also be disseminated through various channels, such as radio, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, social media, and other outlets. Publications are expected in various formats, including newsletters, popular press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed journals.

Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding, and eventual adoption of new skills or practices, changed attitudes or policies, and improved environmental, economic, or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: 1) extending knowledge, 2) applied research and creative activity, 3) professional competence and activity, and 4) university and public service.

This position will be based at the UC Cooperative Extension Office in Colusa County, located at 100 Sunrise Boulevard, Colusa, California 95932.

This position will support processing tomato production, a vital economic driver in Sacramento Valley counties, as well as biological pest management practices in the area's vegetable production. With the focus on sustainable pest management outlined by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, growers will need to pivot more toward biological materials and approaches for pest management in vegetable crops, including processing tomatoes. Plant pathology expertise is especially needed, based on clientele requests.

The focus for this advisor will include:

* Helping to support and sustain the processing tomato industry in the Sacramento Valley in the face of climate change and a regulatory environment demanding more biological pest management.

* Helping keep annual cropping systems as viable alternatives to perennial orchards in the region. This sustains agricultural businesses while allowing more flexible water management/allocation.

* Extending information to growers of various scales on a variety of vegetable crops.

Research is expected to address critical stakeholder needs in the region, including disease, insect, and weed management in processing tomatoes. Biological and cultural approaches to pest management will be a priority, given the State of California's 2023 Sustainable Pest Management plan to "transition away from high-risk pesticides toward adoption of safer, sustainable pest control practices." Advisors typically carry out research in collaboration with other UC ANR academics, local stakeholders, and collaborating industries.

Science-based research results and other educational information will be disseminated using a variety of methods including individual consultations, presentations at grower and industry meetings, workshops, short courses, field demonstrations, UC ANR publications, peer-reviewed journal articles, newsletters, technical reports to commodity boards/funding agencies, and an appropriate mix of contemporary and emerging electronic tools (such as online learning, web content systems and repositories, social media, impact and evaluation tools), along with specialized and public media outlets. The advisor will collaborate with other local UCCE Advisors and CE Specialists to organize educational extension events and workshops.

In addition to collaborating with UC ANR colleagues, the advisor will work with external networks, including the California Tomato Research Institute, Community Alliance with Family Farmers, the California Association of Pest Control Advisers, and Western Region Certified Crop Advisors.

This position will serve Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Glenn, and Butte counties.

In this appointment, you will report directly to the UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Glenn, and Butte counties. This is not a remote position; the advisor must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location and travel to and be present in the other assigned counties. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined by the supervisor upon hire.

Required Qualifications

Education: At the time of appointment, a minimum of a master's degree in horticulture, plant science, pest management, or a related field is required.

* Knowledge and experience in vegetable crop production, pest management, or a related field.

* Capacity or potential to accomplish team-based research and education programs consistent with the values of UC ANR.

* Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series per the UC Academic Personnel Manuals [https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/academic-personnel-policy/appointment-and-promotion/index.html] . Applications need to document research, extension, and/or teaching experience applicable to the academic title and document appropriate scholarly achievements relevant to this position.

* Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle.

* Ability to drive on remote highways including evenings and weekends, and at times in inclement weather conditions.

* A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement to comply with California law.

* We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire.

* This is not a remote position.

Additional Skills Required

* Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.

* Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts in vegetable crop production and pest management to design and implement a program that leads to positive change and impact within the community and beyond.

* Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. Ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

* Collaboration, Teamwork, and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC ANR.

* Lifelong Learning: Advisors are expected to evolve and grow throughout their careers and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational structure.

* As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]

APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment [https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf]

Desired Experiences

* Demonstrated experience in successful extension programming and applied research

* A deep understanding of vegetable crop production and pest management

* Experience with biological approaches to pest management and crop production

* Experience with organic production practices and sustainable farming systems

* Experience in building partnerships and working with multidisciplinary teams

* Bilingual in Spanish or another language common in the region served

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education from county-based UCCE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC offers. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people's lives.

Colusa, Sutter, and Yuba counties form the agricultural core of Northern California's Sacramento Valley, anchored by fertile soils, irrigation from the Sacramento and Feather rivers, and a strong farming legacy. Colusa and Sutter counties are especially known for rice production, along with processing tomatoes, almonds, walnuts, and seed crops, while Yuba County adds stone fruit, walnuts, and nursery crops to the mix. Population centers include Colusa, Yuba City, and Marysville. Colusa, where this position is housed, is approximately 70 miles northwest of Sacramento, the closest major metropolitan area. Beyond agriculture, food processing, agricultural services, and government employment play important roles in local economies.

Glenn and Butte counties combine large-scale agriculture with growing educational, healthcare, and energy sectors. Glenn County is dominated by farming and ranching, producing rice, almonds, walnuts, olives, dairy forage crops, and cattle, with Orland and Willows as its main population centers. Butte County, home to Chico-the largest city in this five-county area-is home to California State University, Chico, and is also known for its production of almonds, walnuts, rice, olives, and livestock.

* UC ANR [https://ucanr.edu/] and UC ANR Mission Statement [https://ucanr.edu/site/division-agriculture-and-natural-resources/about-us]

* UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes [https://ucanr.edu/site/statewide-programs-research-and-extension-center-operations/programs] that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams

* UC ANR Program Areas and Program Teams [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-program-areas-and-program-teams] help unify, communicate, and advocate for our work.

* UC ANR uses Public Value Statements [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-planning-and-accountability/condition-changes] to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.

* UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to UC ANR's Civil Rights Compliance Policy [https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-human-resources/office-civil-rights]

* UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR Principles of Community [https://ucanr.edu/site/division-agriculture-and-natural-resources/principles-community] We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California website:

https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2025-01/406198.pdf

If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position without change to the candidate's current rank, step, salary and/or appointment terms; and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.

This position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 [https://ucanrpolicy.ellucid.com/pman/documents/view/122/active?]

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and approximately thirteen paid holidays per year.. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ [https://recruit.ucanr.edu/] and choose "applicants" (refer to position ##26-01). An in-person finalist interview may be required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received March 16, 2026- (open until filled)

Contact Tatiana Avoce via tavoce@ucanr.edu

University of California Cooperative Extension

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.

• 3-6 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.